First of all, like always thanks for those, who have read, faved and followed the story so far. Special thanks to those who took their time to review:
Heisuke28
Taeniaea
Aero Angemon
Together Again
Aria desu
Lol, for some reason I found the reviews for the last 2 chapters quite interesting indeed. It's so nice to hear your responses regarding the chapters. It also allows me to gauge how effective and well executed the story is. I'm also open to criticisms just so you'd know :p So, don't hesitate to throw them towards me! :D (Also, for the anonymous reviewer(s) I will be replying at the end of the chapter :p)
Anyways, this is finally a new arc… expect to get IO from now on! Lol
Sorry for the five-day delay by the way. I decided to rest and contemplate how to start the new arc… so bear with me (and there was this birthday celebration of my sister and a few errands so… yeah, I hope you get my drift this week was a pretty busy week). Plus, I hate rushing and I don't like regretting what I'd post. So, yeah, quality is better than quantity. But, of course a balance of the two is the best.
Moving on, enjoy the newest installment of Dark Reveries.
Ps. For the sake of fun and creativity, expect canon things to be a little bit altered (expect it also in the future chapters). Also, since places in Digimon 01 and 02 doesn't have names for every place, I'll just base it off in the games if you don't mind. Specifically, the games are Digimon World 1, and Digimon Card Battle.
Dark Reveries
I've noticed that I'll never fly again
I know that I can't fly with broken wings
Someone cried, "a dream will change your shape"
Oreta Tsubasa de -With Broken Wings-
(Digimon Frontier Koichi's Theme)
o- Chapter 12–o
"Gah! What is happening now!" Miyako exclaimed in fear, as the light emanating from the ground enveloped them.
But, before they would go to panic mode, there was this one unique sound that rang in their ears somehow alarming the new Digidestined, whilst sounding familiar for the older Digidestined to make them feel happy and relieved to hear.
"Pi! I finally found you! Pi! Now let's get you lot out of here! Pi!"
Sora was the first to respond as she grinned widely.
"Is that you, Picklemon?!"
Then amidst the light suddenly a pink fur ball with wide white wings appeared before them. Miyako could feel herself squeal on the cuteness of its face as it had black puppy-dog-like eyes.
"Wahhh! So cute!" Miyako remarked as she let out a carefree smile, whilst her eyes sparkled in delight.
"Oh my gosh, Picklemon, it really is you!" Mimi exclaimed in glee. After all, the last time they saw him was the time they returned to the Digital World to battle the greater evil—the Dark Masters, and risked its life just to save them. Mimi found herself crying, as she hurried to the little Digimon as her hands reached out to it, and then slowly pulling it in for a hug.
The little Digimon just grinned.
"The one and only, Pi! Now, now, let's talk later. I have to escort you all to good ol' Gennai now!" With that she released herself from Mimi's tender embrace, and raised spear-like wand, mumbling incoherent chants causing the light to blind everybody completely.
It didn't take long, probably just merely thirty seconds to one minute as the older Digidestined found themselves standing on familiar ground the moment they opened their eyes along with the younger generation. It was, after all, a place they have been to for only once in their lifetime back on their first adventure in the Digital World—it was Gennai's secret home hidden in a lake. It was still the same despite the Digital World's reconstruction. It was still hidden inside the lake as they found the stairs descending upwards, while before them was a traditional Japanese house. In fairness, the house got bigger now compared to before as it is now more like a Japanese mansion, despite having its rustic feel.
The door of the Japanese mansion slid open as it revealed a middle-aged man filled with chocolate colored hair and tanned skin. He was sporting a khaki colored robe that reaches towards the ground that covers his black sleeveless shirt and pants. He let out a gentle smile on the familiar faces before him.
The older generation found their smiles fading away as they saw this unfamiliar man before them. It wasn't Gennai, definitely not Gennai for he was an old man filled with wrinkles. His back hunched due to his old age, whilst sporting a dark blue robe himself with red linings and rode boots. Not to mention his one of a kind mustache. None of those traits were found from him, and the Digidestined can do is stare at him with questioning eyes.
"Errr…Gennai?" Koushiro was the first to break the awkward silence. His tone filled with skepticism. But, the man just smiled, almost chuckling but stifled it.
"Hi, Digidestined, it's been long and hello to the new batch of Digidestined. Nice to meet you! The name's Gennai!" He muttered as he took small sure steps over the wooden bridge. The older generation found themselves ogling at him in a flabbergasted manner, whilst Mimi and Sora let out gasps of disbelief.
"No way!" Taichi was the first to remark, but Gennai just shrugged his shoulders no longer stifling his hearty laughter.
"Yes, way."
"But, how did that happen?! The last time we saw you- you were-?!" Jou mumbled as he scratched his temple with his left hand.
But, Koushiro suddenly gasped as realization hit him like lightning.
"No way! It is you! I remember now! Back then, when Hikari showed us the past of the Digital World, you were the one who escaped with the Digi-Eggs, Digivices, Tags and Crests!" Koushiro proclaimed with his index finger pointing at the man, who just smiled in return, whilst his comrades just retorted questionable:
"He was?"
But, Taichi regained his composure as he just smiled at the man. He might not remember perfectly as Koushiro, he did feel that the face was familiar.
"Well, if Koushiro remembers you, and the fact that Picklemon even brought us here, I guess it is only logical that it really is you old man. But, I guess I can't call you that anymore, huh?" Taichi stated with a happy tone, and it was the first time he had a hearty conversation with someone ever since they came into the Digital World. It was a nice change of pace.
The newer Digidestined found themselves lost immediately at this sudden scene before them. Nonetheless, they were just relieved and happy for the fact that it wasn't an enemy and it was actually someone they knew from their previous adventure. They marveled at the fact that the older Digidestined knew so much about the Digital World living or non-living. For them it just shows that they really went through a lot, and it's making them more worth to look up to. Although, they can't help but feel a little bit left out and felt that the older were just too far from reach for them. In terms of experience, they were just different and they wondered if they can ever be like them or at least catch up to them.
Ken on the other hand doesn't share the same sentiment with the newer Digidestined though as he was also experienced and he was also aware of Gennai's presence from whence the time he had his own adventure with Ryo. Somehow seeing the old man, rather just Gennai made him feel nostalgic.
"Wow, how did you manage looking like that again?!" Jou asked with a raised brow. Gennai just laughed in return.
"Hahahaha, let's just say I'm taking Digi-Vitamins! Anyways, I guess that you all must be tired from everything happening suddenly. I'm happy to see that child of Kindness is back to normal as well." He smiled meekly at Ken, who just returned his smile as well shyly. "You even brought the child of Darkness along with you. I see that he's finally not alone." He kneeled himself over the unconscious lad stroking his raven hair his eyes carrying a sympathetic look, and then stood up. "Everyone, get inside. Let's take it easy for the today, because starting tomorrow we'll be serious from now on." With that, he finally went inside, as the Digidestined stared at him in silence.
"Uhm, Taichi…" Daisuke called as he nudged the older leader. "Is it really okay to go along with him?" He asked with lingering feelings of doubt. The older may knew him, but the new ones certainly can't just feel comfortable just as them. But, Taichi just smiled gently in return.
"Definitely, Gennai had a long history here in the Digital World way before any of us were born and he's a good guy. He helped us before on our previous adventure, so you little guys don't need to worry a thing." Taichi stated with confidence as he ruffled the holder of the Digimental of Courage, and was the first to follow the old man. The older generation along with Hikari and Takeru, who carried the unconscious Koichi followed him along with their partner Digimons.
"Is it really okay?" Iori asked, as Daisuke just shrugged in response.
"If Taichi trusts them along with the others, then I guess we also should." Was all he said with his usual grin, as he started to walk, but then paused remembering another unconscious being before them. "Oh yeah, let's help Loweemon. He must have been pretty exhausted." He stated as he hoisted the child-like digimon behind his back. Miyako and Iori were a little bit hesitant as they stared at the unconscious Loweemon with semi-horrified faces. Daisuke ignored them though. Ken, however, was willing enough to help out without a second to doubt. Amongst all of them, Ken was the one who understood both Koichi and Loweemon the most. He knows so well that they didn't mean harm and they don't deserve the cold shoulder at all, and Hikari also shared the same sentiment, which Ken highly admired her for. Somehow he find himself amazed as to how Hikari, who was the child of Light the first to completely accept the child of Darkness and didn't doubt it for a second.
Miyako and Iori found themselves feeling guilty, as they just stared awkwardly at the two and followed behind them silently, regretting their response.
Daisuke was surprised at Ken's actions though.
To be honest, even if he started to have faith in Ken and believed in him so much that he is a good guy, he can't help but still feel awkward around the guy. Remembering the days when they were still hostile towards each other when Ken was still a jerk, it was just hard to erase. But, despite that Daisuke smiled at Ken, as he muttered a "Thanks" with a gentle gaze. Ken returned it with a gentle smile himself, and Daisuke couldn't help but notice how Ken is really different now. The kind eyes, the gentle expression, and the delicate smile, they were all hard to ignore. Somehow, with all of those tiny details, he didn't regret the fact that he started believing in him and found himself drawn towards the guy.
Definitely, it wasn't regretful at all.
Gennai toured them in the mansion as everyone just marveled at the interior of the mansion.
"Your house sure changed a lot, Gennai. It's even more fabulous now." Mimi remarked with a small smile, her eyes studying everything with amazement.
"Well, ever since the Digital World was reformatted after last your battle against Apocalypmon, everything just changed. I bet you've seen that when you got back along with the new Digidestined." Gennai retorted simply as he eyed the trio, who just grimaced in return. There were definitely a lot of questions that plagued their mind, some of the questions were:
Why are we here?
Are we really needed when Taichi and the rest are here?
Why chose us to be the Digidestined when the rest could have done it?
But, the fact that they did made them feel blessed because despite the dangers, they were able to meet these wonderful Digimon as they went on with their mini-adventures destroying Dark Towers and fighting the Digimon Kaiser.
Yes, nonetheless, they were blessed and for that they will really try their best to do what's expected of them. Although as of now, to the way they were beat up by Lekismon they felt powerless especially when the older Digidestined came with their awesome Perfect level digimon. Their Digimon couldn't even go past the Adult level properly without Hikari's light. It was a shame. They were a little bit discouraged, but kept their hopes up a bit. After all, the older Digidestined did tell them that they wouldn't be here if they're not needed. Thus, they clung to the thoughts that probably they do have a purpose. But, what kind? Somehow with those questions, they can't help but feel excited to hear what Gennai has to tell them after all and why they were sent to him.
"Anyway, you may use any room you guys want to." He gestured his arm to show every door within the long halls of the mansion. "I'll call you all when the meal is ready." With that he left. "Do enjoy yourselves!"
The day was spent with leisure as both the old and new Digidestined spent time with each other, as the old teens' sharing stories about their adventures to the younger ones, who listened intently with amazement. The partners of the older generation stayed with their partners as they also listened and would sometimes join in the conversation. The partners of the younger generation also did as they had the same attitude as their partners.
Koichi on the other hand stayed unconscious, as Hikari and Takeru spent their time looking over him inside one of the rooms, whilst his partner spent his time outside.
Loweemon's scarlet eyes stared at the morning sky, whilst his feet waded on the moat around the mansion. Although everyone saw that he was awake, he hasn't uttered a single word. The rest did the same in response as they all just eyed him.
It was rather a really awkward moment, but he couldn't blame them for it, after all even Loweemon was freaked out to himself. He also didn't mind the silent treatment. Actually, he appreciated it. It gave him time to mull over everything that has happened to him up to this point. His life with Koichi ever since he came into the Digital World, their life with Riku and Lunamon, the life after they left, and many other things. It was a long road since then with Koichi and him wandering aimlessly even if Riku was there with them or not.
To be honest as a partner Digimon, he also didn't know why he was one in the first place and had to meet Koichi. He even questions the fact that he was a Digimon called the Warrior of Darkness and why he was born of Darkness. He stared at his hands that are covered by his black lion-themed armor. Even his armor has nothing but darkness as its color. Everything was dark.
"Why?" He muttered almost inaudibly as he flicked a pebble that was just lying beside him towards the moat. There was nothing around him. Everyone was inside the mansion. The only thing he can hear right now other than silence is the tapping of the bamboo as they hit the stone once it was filled with water, and the whistles of the winds against the blades of grass and trees around the yard. It was the perfect environment for him to ponder about everything.
Although he questioned his existence, his origins and his purpose, he never regretted any of it. He never regretted meeting Koichi. Actually, ever since he hatched from the Digi-Egg, deep inside his heart he already had this need in him to beside someone. Someone, who wasn't Digimon.
He could remember everything so well. The moment he hatched he was all alone having nothing but the Crest on a Tag and the Digivice with him. He was always called a monster by the rest for the fact that he was the rumored digimon, who was born from a Digi-Egg infested by Darkness called the Corrupted Egg. He was always judged due to the color of his egg, not to mention the type and it's abnormality too. Nobody even dared to look at him twice as he ventured on his own until he naturally Digivolved to the warrior that he is now: Loweemon—the Lone Warrior of Darkness.
But despite all of that, deep inside his heart, he yearned for a company that never came. He almost gave up until, Riku and Lunamon came. She was a child back then as far as he remembered. Innocent and cheerful, a typical girl. Like the crest he had at that time, she had one worn on her neck. She was very far from the girl he saw right now, who was outright indifferent, twisted, and cold. She was a girl who is far from innocent and pure now. Rather like an angel who descended from the skies to hell.
At first he was repulsive towards them, but both Lunamon and Riku were both just too clumsy that they would almost always look for trouble and that clumsiness drew him towards him. Yes, it was during the year that the first generation Digidestined came, and since it was dangerous times, he can't help himself but often times worry for the two since they were both so nice to even bother with him. So he wasn't exactly indifferent, rather just emotionally detached. Going back, to him all of it was a mere repayment of debt for even considering his existence without prejudice until he found himself attached to the pair. It took a hell lot of time, and it may not be the presence that he was yearning for but his times with them were worth it. It was bliss for a person like him who had nobody. It's like for once he found his family, and from them he gained hope, a hope that maybe the company he was yearning for was like Riku—a human, and maybe that human will come for him. They were the ones who rekindled his will to live and hope. It was truly a miracle for him.
Then just a few months after the Chosen Children's adventure, there he finally saw him, his destined partner—Koichi.
Loweemon cracked a small smile at the memory of their first meeting. Koichi was highly repulsive, scared and disoriented at that time. However, all he felt on the other hand was simply bliss and contentment. It's like the moment he laid his eyes on him he felt complete. Just like a guy finding his 100% perfect woman. But, in his case, it's like finding the 100% perfect companion and friend.
He flicked another pebble towards the pond, as he sighed. He wondered, 'Will Koichi forgive me?' Then suddenly, he could hear steady footsteps towards him. Somehow alarmed he called for his spear and raised it behind him.
"Hey, what gives?!" Tailmon hissed. He was surprised as Tailmon, but immediately stared at her apologetically.
"You have scary sharp senses there." Patamon gulped as he landed on his head, but threw away his scared expression and smiled immediately. "Calm down, it's just us. We won't bite."
"I-I'm sorry." He muttered, as he hid his spear. Tailmon just crossed her small arms as she stared at the lone digimon. But, sighed.
"Yeah, sure." With that she sat beside him, as she also waded her feet on the moat and felt the coldness of the water. She grinned as she sighed in satisfaction. "Hmmm, this sure feels nice."
"I know. The air here feels nice as well." Said Patamon, as he relaxed himself on Loweemon's head, and stretched his petite arms and limbs. "It's so soothing and refreshing. Maybe that's why Gennai started to look young again!" Patamon joked, as Tailmon laughed in response.
Loweemon however just grimaced at everything, as he raised his brow on the two people with him. But, how could they sense his uneasiness towards them when they can't even read his expressions! No longer handling the weirdness…
"What are you two doing here?" He sighed, trying to make his voice calm as possible. "Aren't you guys supposed to be afraid of me? Shouldn't you guys supposed to hate me? You're both holy digimon for goodness sake!" The smiles on Patamon and Tailmon's faces immediately disappeared as their eyes carefully studied him. But, they immediately returned, this time it was a small one.
"Well, just because you went insane a while ago doesn't mean you're really evil. I could sense your grief and your hatred for it when we battled you know." Patamon uttered, as his blue eyes stared below to see his crimson ones. "I know you don't want to succumb to it."
"I could say the same. We're all allies here, and I share the same sentiments as my partner." Tailmon stated as she placed her paw on his hand. "You're feeling troubled right now aren't you?" It was her turn to stare through his eyes, which know held a baffled expression. But, Loweemon took his hand back swiftly to his chest, his eyes slightly glaring.
"And why do you care? It's none of your business." He growled.
"We know. But, we can't help but feel concerned. I mean, it's nice to be alone and contemplate over things, but ain't it nice to have someone to share it with? You don't need to say anything nor do we do. We just wanted you to feel that we're here." Tailmon stated as she stared at the sky above them. "Isn't that what we've learned from being with our partners? Knowing that someone is always there for you, in silence or not, is a pleasure isn't?" Loweemon didn't know what to say as he found himself staring at the moat and suddenly found it interesting enough to stare at. His feet moved a little bit, as it created ripples around it. He pondered over the cat-like digimon's words. But, for some reason, they were right. It does feel nice to know that even if they're not doing anything as long as you can feel their presence, supporting you behind your back, it's comforting.
He closed his eyes, as he laid his back on the grass. Patamon was surprised but landed himself gracefully on the ground.
Currently, Loweemon just realized that truly, he's no longer alone. No, he and Koichi are no longer alone. He smiled underneath his helmet.
"Thank you." He muttered, causing a grin to appear on Tailmon and Patamon's faces.
"You're welcome! You know, though I know I have no right to say anything, I'm sure that Koichi will forgive you." Loweemon took a peek on the cream-colored Digimon and didn't say anything to protest, but hoped just hoped and believed on Patamon's words.
'I do hope so. However, would he forgive me or not, I'll always stay by his side. I'll protect him.'
I would have ended everything here in one chapter (the stay in Gennai's house). But, that would also delay the release. So, I thought it would only be better to end here.
Basically, from this chapter to the next, everything will mellow down for a while. (which I hope you all don't mind)
Once again, I'm sorry for the huge delay! I still hope that you guys enjoyed this chapter!
I really worked hard on this one .
Please do review! And thanks for reading!
Anonymous Review Reply Section:
Aria desu: I'm happy to hear that you love Dark Reveries :) and yes, I'll definitely try my best to update as fast as I can! :) I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter! Do look forward for the next! Thanks for the review! TC :)